CHLORIDE

"Clinical Significance
Chloride - Serum chloride is the major extracellular anion and counter-balances the major cation, sodium, maintaining electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Two thirds of the total anion concentration in extracellular fluids is chloride and it is significantly involved in maintaining proper hydration and osmotic pressure. Movement of chloride ions across the red blood cell membrane is essential for the transport of biocarbonate ions in response to changing concentrations of carbon dioxide. Chloride measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Alternative Specimen(s)
Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria
Anticoagulants other than heparin

Setup Schedule"